Catalyst and process for producing aromatic hydroxy compounds

Abstract

A catalyst comprised of oxidized copper, zirconium and an alkali metal is employed for oxidizing an aromatic carboxylic acid to the corresponding phenol; e.g., benzoic acid to phenol.

We claim: 
     
       1. A process for catalytically oxidizing an aromatic carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid and alkyl substituted benzoic acid to the corresponding phenol at improved selectivity, comprising: contacting said aromatic carboxylic acid with oxygen and steam in the presence of a catalyst at a temperature of from 200° C. to 400° C. and at a pressure of from 2 to 20 atmospheres, with an oxygen to carboxyl group mole ratio of from 0.2:1 to 10:1, and a steam to carboxyl group mole ratio of from 5:1 to 500:1, said catalyst being comprised of oxidized copper, zirconium and an alkali metal wherein the copper:zirconium:alkali metal atomic ratio is from 1:0.2 to 0.5:0.5 to 2.5.   
     
     
       2. The process of claim 1 wherein the oxidized copper, zirconium and alkali metal is supported on a support having a surface area of no greater than 50 m 2  /g. 
     
     
       3. The process of claim 2 wherein the support is α-alumina. 
     
     
       4. The process of claim 3 wherein the alkali metal is potassium. 
     
     
       5. The process of claim 3 wherein the alkali metal is lithium. 
     
     
       6. The process of claim 3 wherein the alkali metal is sodium.